Osem i Devet with Dina Trageser, December 16, Vancouver, BC

December 4, 2017

Join Osem i Devet — Michael Lawson on accordion and David Bilides on tapan — with special guest Dina Trageser on vocals at an international folk dance winter party in Vancouver, BC. The 3 of us are planning a night of great dance tunes with lots of gorgeous vocals. Come listen, dance, and enjoy food and drinks supplied by the Vancouver International Folk Dancers.

Osem i Devet with Teodora Dimitrova, March 20 at Stone Way Cafe

December 4, 2017

Join Osem i Devet — Michael Lawson on accordion and David Bilides on tapan — with special guest Teodora Dimitrova on vocals at the Stone Way Cafe in Seattle. The 3 of us are planning a night of great dance tunes with lots of gorgeous vocals. We're going to include easy dances and we'll have quick teaching by Sydney Deering, so everyone can join in. Come listen, learn some fun dances, and enjoy food and drinks from the cafe's menu.

Osem i Devet with Teodora DimitrovaSaturday, March 20, 2017
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Balkan Dance Cafe @ Stone Way Cafe
3510 Stone Way N
Seattle, WA 98103
$5.00 donation, more or less as you wish

26 bands on 3 three stages! Join Dragi Spasovski with an izvoren set, the Bulgarian Voices of Seattle with some Pirin songs, and special guest musicians from Pennsylvania, at the 6th annual Balkan Night Northwest.

Osem i Devet performs in Vancouver, B.C. December 3

November 30, 2016

Join the Vancouver International Folk Dancers at their annual Christmas party, with live music by Osem i Devet (Michael Lawson on accordion and David Bilides on tapan), with special guest vocalist Dina Trageser.

You are invited to a wonderful evening of Macedonian music starting with a delicious dinner at the Balkanika European Food Restaurant, followed by music with Stefče Stojkovski, master musician from Skopje, Macedonia, accompanied by Dragi Spasovski on vocals, Michael Lawson on accordion, David Bilides on tambura, and Rumen Sali Shopov on percussion, from San Francisco.

Stefče Stojkovski performs in Vancouver, B.C. November 19

November 16, 2016

On Saturday, November 19, 2016 Stefče Stojkovski, will perform at a special event in Vancouver, BC. The show, Balkan Roots, features 4 of the best Balkan bands in Vancouver, accompanied by Stefče. He will be joined by David Bilides from Seattle.

The evening will offer a wide cross section of traditional Balkan music, with a focus on Macedonia. Stefce will be playing some solo songs and also alongside each of the bands/groups/individuals. The groups are:

Grupa Dunbarov — Members of Grupa Dunbarov started playing music of the Balkans together over 20 years ago, having developed their interest in the music through folk dancing. Grupa Dunbarov plays music of Bulgaria, Macedonia, northern Greece, and a bit of Serbia and Romania, in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Zlatna Mountain — Zlatna Mountain is 4 vocalists from Vancouver. These four women combine their powerful voices in new arrangements of Macedonian and other Balkan folk melodies.

Stari Zvuci

Djeram Tamburitza Band — Djeram is a Vancouver-based band formed in 2015, dedicated to fostering and promoting tamburitza music in Canada. Firmly rooted in the tamburitza tradition and culture, using authentic instrumentation and arrangements, Djeram covers a wide range of genres, from traditional folk music of south-western Balkans to classical masterpieces.

Dragi Spasovski performs at Macedonian Event in Vancouver May 21

May 15, 2016

On Saturday, May 21, 2016 Dragi Spasovski, will perform at a Macedonian party in Vancouver, BC. Accompanying Dragi will be Michael Lawson on accordion, Mark Levy on clarinet, Dina Trageser on tambura and vocals, and David Bilides on tapan. There will aslo be a tamburaši orchestra performing. The admission price also includes a Macedonian dinner.

Stefče Stojkovski to host seminar in Macedonia July 20-30

April 15, 2016

This summer, Stefče Stojkovski, Macedonia's premier multi-instrumentalist on traditional instruments, will host a Macedonian music and dance seminar from July 20-30, 2016 at Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. There will be instruction in dance, singing, and instrumental music. This is an excellent opportunity to study with master musicians while seeing the country from the inside. More details and registration information can be found on Stefče's website.

Goran Alachki to host Macedonian music and dance tour

January 24, 2016

This May, Goran Alachki, Macedonia's premier accordion player, will lead a Macedonian music and dance tour to Skopje, Lazaropole, Struga, Ohrid, Berovo, and other locations from May 1-11 in Macedonia. There will be instruction in dance, singing, and instrumental music. This is an excellent opportunity to study with master musicians while seeing the country from the inside. More details and registration information can be found on Goran's website.

Homage to Trakiyskata Troyka — Dinner Show, January 9, 2016

December 12, 2015

For many years, Trakiyskata Troyka (Thracian Trio) was one of the top ensembles playing Bulgarian folk music. It featured Stoyan Velichkov on kaval (shepherd’s flute), Mihail Marinov on gadulka (upright fiddle), and Roumen Sirakov on tambura (4-course lute).

Thanks to a Seattle visit in January by Michigan-based gadulka player Bruce Sagan, Café Paloma is proud to present an evening of songs and instrumentals in the style of Trakiyskata Troyka. This dinner show will also feature Teodora Dimitrova on vocals and tambura, and David Bilides on kaval. To enjoy this rare opportunity, make your reservation now for a delightful evening of wonderful music and delicious food and drink.

Dragi Spasovski Jubilee Concert DVD now available

This live DVD was recorded on November 22,2014 at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre in Seattle, WA. It's a celebration of 45 years of performance and Macedonian folk music artistry by Dragi Spasovski.

Playing 'Til Your Soul Comes Out! CD release October 23

October 20, 2015

Album release featuring a presentation by producer Martin Koenig and music performance by Dragi Spasovski and his Macedonian All Stars band.

Playing 'Til Your Soul Comes Out! Music of Macedonia, a Smithsonian Folkways recording produced with the assistance of the Jack Straw Artist Support Program, is a sonic time capsule of the 1960s, a significant moment in this region of Southeastern Europe when the style of both life and music were in a state of rapid flux.

Seventeen documentary gems from noted music and dance ethnographer Martin Koenig's extensive collection - never before heard on a recording as they appear here - include three Macedonian traditions: female village unaccompanied singing, Romani zurli-tapan ensembles, and the Ottoman Turkish urban ensemble called čalgija. Koenig and ethnomusicologist Sonia Seeman provide historical background and unique insight into Macedonia's rich musical culture.

Dragi Spasovski to celebrate 45 years of performing at jubilee concert

September 20, 2014

Radio Skopje recording artist Dragi Spasovski celebrates 45 years of performing Macedonian folk songs in a special concert, accompanied by traditional and modern Macedonian folk instrument ensembles.

Dragi Spasovski was born in the small village of Studena Bara, near Kumanovo, only 25 km from Skopje. His family moved to Skopje when he was 4, and Skopje is the place where he made his first steps in exploring life, art, music and dancing. Influenced by his mother’s singing, mostly in their home, he found himself swept away by the folk spirit.

In 1966, encouraged by his mother, Rajna Spasovska, who was already recording for the Macedonian National Radio, he made his first attempt at professional singing. He had a trial recording with Radio Skopje’s Izvoren Orkestar. Singing became a very important part of his life, and he eventually completed over 100 songs for the National Radio of Macedonia.

Most of the songs Dragi has recorded he learned from his mother, “songs which were inside of me since I was a child, songs which I shared with myself and others. The song was, is, and will be a description of me, a picture of my soul.”

After 45 years of being friends with the microphone, I'm still singing. The idea of having this jubilee came about because I always felt that there is someone inside of me who is always singing, someone who is my friend and knows me best, someone who knows when I am happy or sad, someone who knows how to comfort me and who provides the best company. For me, the best company has always been music.

For this concert, Dragi, who was interviewed by The Stranger last year, will be accompanied by talented Macedonian folk music enthusiasts from Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco. The concert will include music from three Macedonian folk music strands: modern instruments, urban songs from the čalgija tradition (Ottoman-influenced folk music), and izvoren songs, (traditional rural instruments).

Whether you can make the concert or not, you can support Dragi and the production of his jubilee concert by contributing to a Go Fund Me campaign. You can watch the video there and check out the CD and DVD incentives for different levels of contribution. Thanks for your support!

Dragi Spasovski to perform at Balkanalia!

August 17, 2014

Spend a long Labor Day weekend (Friday evening through Monday morning) immersed in Balkan music and dance, with Dragi Spasovski and other musicians from the west and east. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy three idyllic days with an incredible gathering of campers, musicians, dancers and singers. Beginners and families are welcome! If you are new to Balkan music, this camp provides a fantastic introduction, with instrumental, singing and dancing classes each day For more info, visit the Balkanalia site.

Goran Alachki and Stefče Stojkovski host summer seminars

February 17, 2014

This summer, Goran Alachki and Stefče Stojkovski will each host Macedonian music and dance seminars in Macedonia. Goran's Macedonian Pearl Folk Seminar will be located in Berovo, in the eastern part of the country, from July 1 to 10, while Stefče's Macedonian Traditional Music and Dance Seminar will be in Ohrid from July 7 to 17. These are excellent opportunities to study with master musicians while seeing the country from the inside.

Dragi Spasovski to perform at US premiere of Manaki brothers films

January 20, 2014

On Thursday, January 30, Dragi Spasovski and I will perform for the NW Film Forum's Children's Film Festival. The program will celebrate the past and future of filmmaking in Macedonia, with us providing live accompaniment to the US premiere of newly restored silent film footage by the Manaki Brothers, shot at the dawn of cinema. The evening will also feature a collection of vibrant new short films supported by the Macedonian Film Fund.

Dunava Concert features Macedonian and Bulgarian Songs

October 25, 2013

On Saturday, October 26, Dunava, Seattle's Balkan Women's Choir, returns to the Shoreline UUC, arguably one of the best acoustic spaces in Seattle. The choir will sing songs from its recent release, "Bulgaria," plus some old classics. Special guest at this concert is the talented multi-instrumentalist David Bilides, who will perform a special set of Macedonian songs with Jody Rush and Ramona Wijayratne.

Dunava Balkan Women's Choir in Concert
Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Universalist Unitarian Church (the "Dome")
14724 1st Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155
Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 students and seniors, available online at http://dunava.brownpapertickets.com/ or at the door

Atanas Kolarovski Celebration in Seattle October 18 and 19

October 8, 2013

The Seattle Balkan Dancers will be holding a weekend celebration at Seattle's Russian Community Center in honor of Atanas Kolarovski, a native of Macedonia and current Seattle resident, who has been teaching Macedonian folk dances around the world for nearly 50 years. Atanas himself will teach dances on Friday the 18th, and Dragi Spasovski, accompanied by an all-star group from Seattle and the San Francisco Bay area, will provide live music on Saturday evening the 19th. In addition, the Radost Folk Ensemble will perform an Atanas choreography on Saturday. The music ensemble Zakuska will also be providing music.

Atanas was born in Dračevo (near Skopje), Macedonia in 1926. Although this village was Macedonian, the region, like much of the Balkans, was ethnically mixed. There were nearby communities of Albanians and Roma (Gypsies), who had a certain amount of influence on the cultural life of the region, including the musical traditions. The Kolarovi family was exceptional for its many talented musicians in a village known for its music. Their large extended family frequently gathered at night, in the absence of modern sources of entertainment, to play music, sing songs, and dance for their own entertainment. Atanas was dancing, singing, and playing the kaval and the accordion along with the other family members from a very early age. A number of family members especially his uncle, Mile Kolarov had professional careers in music.

In 1944 Atanas joined the Partisan Army of Yugoslavia and subsequently was chosen to be a member of the Yugoslavian Army Ensemble. After World War II the ensemble traveled throughout Yugoslavia learning and presenting regional music and dance from Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia as well as other areas of the Balkans, He then helped form Tanec, the Macedonian State Folk Ensemble, and for 19 years was its lead solo dancer as well as artistic director and choreographer. During his tenure Tanec made several very successful international tours.

Atanas started his teaching career in 1964 with a tour of North America. Since then he has taught around the world bringing especially many wonderful Macedonian dances that have become a standard part of the folk dance repertoire everywhere. Several years later he decided to make Seattle his home with his wife Ljupka (who was also a lead dancer with Tanec), and family. They also opened a restaurant ("Yugoslavia") in the University District featuring wonderful ethnic cuisine. Of course home will always be in Macedonia and they spend much time there.

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with Atanas his 87th birthday as well as his half-century of teaching!

Friday, October 18, 2013
7:30 to 9:00pm: teaching by Atanas, followed by dancing to Atanas' favorite recordings till 11:00Saturday, October 19, 2013
7:00 to 11:00pm: dance party and celebration with Dragi Spasovski and the Macedonian All Stars, plus the Radost Folk Ensemble and Zakuska

Izvor Music releases new Bajsa Arifovska CD, Macedonian Čalgija

May 18, 2013

Recorded in Macedonia and featuring Bajsa Arifovska with three master musicians (Hustref Said, Raim Baki, and Naser Mustafa), Macedonian Čalgija features 9 tracks of the urban Macedonian folk music known as čalgija. Bajsa is a talented multi-instrumentalist, one of the few Macedonian Romani women to take on this role, and she leads an ensemble, itself all too rare these days, of violin/clarinet, ut, kanun, and tarabuka in over 50 minutes of instrumentals.

Stefče Stojkovski to hold Seminar in Struga in July

May 11, 2013

Stefče Stojkovski will be holding a music and dance seminar from July 5 to July 15 in Struga, right by beautiful Lake Ohrid. Invited teachers include Branko Zevzovski, teaching Macedonian dances, and Edin Azizi, teaching Albanian dances. In addition to Stefče and the musicians of his ensemble, the famous zurla player Muzafer Mahmut will also be on staff.

Branko Zevzovski is a dancer and choreographer from Bitola. He was born in the village of Smilevo. He danced since he was a child and at a very early age he joined the folk dancing groups Ilinden, Dame Gruev and later on, Tanec. He founded the folk dancing ensemble Goce Delčev in Bitola. He works as a choreographer, but he explores the traditional dances in many rural regions in Vardar, Pirin and Aegean Macedonia. He put on stage a number of dance medleys from different regions. He is a holder of national and international recognitions and awards for his work.

Edin Aziz is from Kunaovo. He danced with the amateur folk dance group Emin Duraku from Skopje, Panče Pešrev from Kumanovo, and later on with Tanec. He founded the folk dance group Toska, which works within the Center of Culture of the city of Kumanovo. He has been engaged as a dance choreographer in most of the folk dancing groups in Kumanovo. In addition to Macedonian and Albanian dances, he also teaches the dances of the different minorities in Macedonia.

Dragi Spasovski Interviewed by The Stranger

February 28, 2013

Dragi Spasovski is featured in Seattle's The Stranger in an interview by Sean Jewell. The interview captures a lot of the wonderful qualities that make Dragi the musician and performer that he is. The interview is part of the lead up to the Balkan Night Northwest Festival taking place here next month.

Dragi Spasovski to Perform at Northwest Balkan Festival March 16

February 23, 2013

Dragi Spasovski will head a group of several American musicians in a 45-minute set of Macedonian songs and dances at this year's Balkan Night Northwest festival in Seattle at the Russian Community Center. Last year's festival was a big success, and this year's will be held on two evenings, March 15th and 16th. Dragi will sing at 7:15 pm on Saturday the 16th. Also appearing that night will be the well-known Albanian singer from New York, Merita Halili, with her husband, Raif Hyseni on accordion. It should be a great evening, so get your tickets early via the event's website.

New Source for Traditional Macedonian Tamburas

July 27, 2012

I regularly receive inquiries asking where someone can find a two-course Macedonian tambura. I have referred people to the Gievski shop in Skopje, and to Stefče Stojkovski and Bajsa Arifovska, both of whom can locate instruments for purchase. I am happy to let you know of another direct source, the luthier Risto Ivanovski, also based in Skopje.

Risto wrote me about what distinguishes his instruments from other makers':

"My tamburas are high-end instruments and are different from Gievski's or any other luthier's in Macedonia. The difference is first of all in the neck. I use rosewood or ebony for the fingerboard and first class Dunlop frets; this is not the case with any other tambura maker...There is also a difference in the head: mine is slotted, which takes more work to make, but which is much stronger. I also use proper tuning machines...My tamburas tune perfectly even at the highest frets. I also use bone for the nut and saddle...As for the body, I always use ¼ of the walnut and my body is deeper and lighter, which makes it louder...I simply want to bring this instrument to a higher level."

One of my correspondents ordered an Ivanovski tambura recently. He said, "It is an excellent instrument, very easy to play, and has a rich warmth on top of the bell-like tones more usual in a tambura. It also has a very good dynamic range, it can stand up to a gajda when played with energy, but is also able to play softly for accompanying a voice – just what I was after."

The price for the tambura includes a hard case and shipping. If you order from Risto, please let him know you were referred by Izvor Music. And please let me know what you think of the instrument.

Balkan Luminosity: Four Singers at Café Paloma on May 5, 2012

April 16, 2012

Jody Rush, Ramona Wijayratne, Mary Sherhart, and Heidi Bodding will present "Balkan Luminosity", a dinner show of Macedonian and Bulgarian folk songs, at Café Paloma on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 7:30pm. They will be accompanied by David Bilides on kavals, tambura, and piano.

This evening will present a selection of Macedonian and Bulgarian folk songs in traditional and more modern arrangements. The four singers featured have been devotees of the music for many years, and this venue provides them an opportunity to showcase some of their favorite songs.

There will be solos, duets, trios and quartets, and diaphonic pairings to chordal arrangements. The accompaniment will include traditional wooden flutes (kavals) and a long-necked mandolin-type instrument (tambura). Throughout the evening, the performers will intersperse personal stories about their relationships with the music, the area, and the individual songs.

Musical evenings at the intimate Café Paloma usually sell out quickly. An early reservation will secure you a seat for your delicious dinner and an evening of uncommon folk music from a culturally diverse and rich part of the Balkans.

Dragi Spasovski to Perform for NWLA Macedonian Evening

March 24, 2012

Dragi Spasovski, accompanied by David Bilides, Erik Butterworth, and Tom Deering, will perform for the Northwest Language Academy's "Meet Macedonia" evening on April 14th. There will be a Macedonian dinner cooked by Ljupka Kolarovska, followed by a performance by Dragi, plus a litle bit of dancing.

Dragi Spasovski Sings to 750 at NW Balkan Music Night

March 11, 2012

Dragi Spasovski, accompanied by musicians organized by Jesenko Lalić, sang to an enthusiastic crowd at the first annual, and very successful Northwest Balkan Music Night on March 10th. Over 750 people attended, many newcomers to the scene, young and old. There was a kafana venue for smaller, non-dance acts, as well as the main stage. It seems as though this will be the start of an ongoing yearly festival of Balkan music in Seattle.

Goran Alachki to Host Spring Seminar

January 1, 2012

Goran Alachki will be running a folk seminar this spring, in addition to his usual Pearl summer seminar. The new seminar will run from April 22 to May 4, and include stops in Skopje, Ohrid, and Berovo. There will be dancing and singing classes each day, and evening parties with local musicians. Details can be found on Goran's revamped website.

Macedonian Costume Exhibit Opens in Santa Fe

October 1, 2011

The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe has curated an incredible exhibit of Macedonian bridal costumes, largely based on the extraordinary collections of Ron Wixman, Steve Glaser and Bernard Ziobo. It runs Oct 1, 2011- January 6, 2013. There will be a lecture and music series on Macedonian cultures. For details, as well as a selection of photos, see the Museum of International Folk Art

Stefče and Dragi Light Up Iroquois Springs

August 31, 2011

It didn't matter that it rained—poured—most of the week: Stefče and Dragi made a big, positive impact on the EEFC Iroquois Springs Balkan Music and Dance Workshop. They played two evening sets at the dance parties with enthusiastic musicians, and an energetic dance crowd kept the momentum going. They also played a late-night kafana set, with David Bilides and Henry Goldberg providing back-up. This was on the 17th, which just happened to be a birthday for both! People sent food and drink over to their table afterwards, and sang them a tribute.

Stefče's first camp was a pleasant surprise for him, as he met many new musicians of all levels of expertise. He had a chance to talk with them and play with them.

Photo by Ann Mosconi

His openness was infectious and led to many collaborative musical moments, such as him playing along with the Rodop gajda ensemble. He also played at the student demonstration with the 100+ member Albanian ensemble.

Although everyone was sad that Goran, Adrijana, and Bajsa were not able to make it to the camp, there were many comments that this was one of the best representations of Macedonian music in memory. Dragi was in great voice, his singing class joined forces with David's Macedonian village ensemble at the student demonstration, and he and Stefče were much in demand during the week. Everyone is hoping that this is just the first of many EEFC camp experiences for Stefče, and that his rich collaboration with Dragi will continue in the years to come.

Stefče Stojkovski and Dragi Spasovski Perform in Seattle August 5 and 6

July 15, 2011

Here are the details for the two performances in Seattle in early August.

Macedonian Live Music and Dance Party
with Stefče Stojkovski (Skopje, Republic of Macedonia) and Dragi Spasovski (Seattle, WA)
Friday, August 5, 2011
8:00 to 11:00 pm
The Russian Community Center On Capitol Hill In Seattle 704 19th Ave E.
Sponsored by Izvor Music
Hosted by the Seattle Balkan Dancers
(Please bring party food to share with everyone)
Donations Requested for this evening of dancing to live Macedonian music:
$15 for adults
$8 for students 14-20
$25 for families of 3 or more
Free for children 13 and under

Dragi Spasovski Song Chosen to Accompany New E-Book

July 2, 2011

Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby, has written Anything You Want, an e-book, sharing what he learned during starting, building, and selling CD Baby. It comes with a free gift: a code to download 241 hand-picked MP3s from his "top CD Baby artists." I'm happy to say that Dragi Spasovski made Derek's cut, out of thousands of other artists. I chose the song, Stani, Bre Sine Stojane from his Beyond the Mountain—Zad Planinata CD. Congratulations, Dragi!